National ParkFeatured DestinationBig Five
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
South Africa 960 km² (370 mi²) Est. 1895
About Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
The oldest proclaimed game reserve in Africa, established in 1895, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is the birthplace of rhino conservation. The park's Operation Rhino in the 1950s and 60s saved the southern white rhino from extinction, growing the population from fewer than 200 to over 10,000 worldwide.
Spanning rolling green hills in KwaZulu-Natal, the park combines two former reserves and offers a Big Five experience in a stunningly scenic, subtropical setting. The wilderness trails here are legendary among safari purists.
0
Safari Tours
4.5
Avg Rating
5/5
Big Five
131
Years Protected
Highlights
- Birthplace of rhino conservation with excellent rhino sightings
- Oldest game reserve in Africa with rich history
- Beautiful rolling green hills and diverse landscapes
- Legendary multi-day wilderness walking trails
- Affordable Big Five experience
Considerations
- Roads can be rough and steep in places
- Humid subtropical climate can be uncomfortable in summer
- Accommodation options fewer than Kruger
- Low-level malaria risk still requires precautions
Wildlife
Big Five Status
🦁
Lion
occasional
🐆
Leopard
occasional
🐘
Elephant
common
🦬
Buffalo
common
🦏
Rhino
occasional
Notable Species
Lion
Occasional
Leopard
Occasional
Elephant
Common
Cape Buffalo
Common
Black Rhino
Occasional
White Rhino
Common
Giraffe
Common
Zebra
Common
Impala
Common
Warthog
Common
Wild Dog
Occasional
Hyena
Common
Crocodile
Common
Common Occasional Rare
Best Time to Visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak Season Good Time Less Ideal
Climate Overview
Getting There
Drive approximately 3 hours north from Durban via the N2. King Shaka International Airport in Durban has car rental options. Charter flights available to local airstrips.
Nearest Airport
King Shaka International Airport (DUR)
Nearest City
Mtubatuba
Drive Time
3 hours